Supermodel Ashley Graham dazzled on the red carpet at the 2025 Met Gala, but what fans didn’t see was the chaos unfolding just minutes before she stepped out. In a refreshingly honest Substack post, the model revealed how a spilled drop of mint oil nearly derailed her entire evening—and how a quick-thinking solution turned a disaster into a defining fashion moment.
A Stain, a Deadline, and a Malfunctioning Elevator
Graham, 37, had just slipped into her custom grey-and-white pinstripe BOSS gown—crafted especially for this year’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” theme—when a drop of mint oil landed directly on the bust of her outfit. With the Met Gala clock ticking and the elevator broken, Graham’s team scrambled to save the dress using everything from hair dryers to stain removers, but nothing worked.
“There’s nothing that’s going to help, except for some Dawn and a dry cleaner possibly,” she wrote, describing the scene as frantic but oddly hilarious in hindsight.
The Diamond Brooch That Saved the Day
Just when it seemed like there were no options left, Graham had a lightbulb moment. She pulled out a stunning diamond brooch by Nikos Koulis, an open-loop piece encrusted with shimmering stones, and strategically placed it over the stained area. Not only did it work—it elevated her entire look.
“Well, I am tooting my own horn here… it was my bright idea,” she admitted in her post. The glamorous brooch drew attention away from the mishap and became the unexpected star of the ensemble.
Making a Statement with Style and Strategy
Graham completed the look with matching wrap-around earrings, a satin pocket square, and a level of poise that turned an almost-catastrophe into an iconic red carpet appearance. The result? One of the most talked-about fashion saves of the night, and a powerful reminder that even style icons face setbacks—and rise above them.
Social Media Reacts: Humor, Honesty, and Hashtags
On Instagram, Graham shared behind-the-scenes photos of her team drying the dress and testing solutions before settling on the brooch. One caption read, “Oil spill on aisle MET GALA,” perfectly summing up her self-aware and humorous approach to the chaos. Her fans flooded the comments with praise for her quick thinking and grace under pressure.
When Real Life Meets the Red Carpet
Graham’s candid revelation adds a layer of realness to an event often known for perfection. Rather than let a mishap steal her thunder, she used it as a moment to show her ingenuity, confidence, and professionalism. It’s not just what you wear—it’s how you wear it when everything goes wrong.
